Motza

Selections from classical Torah sources
which express the special relationship between
the People of Israel and Eretz Yisrael

MOTZA

This small settlement just outside Jerusalem is mentioned in the Talmud (Mesechta Succah 45a) as the source of the aravah willow branches that were brought daily to the Beit Hamikdash during the Succot Festival and placed alongside the altar. This place was also known as Kalania, both names referring to the special status it enjoyed of being exempt from government taxes.

Motza is an attractive suburb of the capital, and home of an old Jerusalem winery. Its numerous aravah willow trees continue to supply the branches used by Jerusalemites for the fulfillment of the mitzvot on Succot.